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  • 0  (4 mistakes allowed to pass)

Free North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2025

Average pass rate for driving tests in North Carolina: 38%.
Average pass rate for this test: 11%.
Hard
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>13%
80-89=>20%
70-79=>26%
60-69=>23%
<60%=>18%
Avg. first-try score: 70%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

To legally drive in NC, you’ll need to pass what is commonly referred to as the DMV permit test. It’s also known as the NC permit test, driving test, DMV written test, driver’s license test, or simply the driver’s test. There are 25 questions on the North Carolina learner’s permit test, and you must answer 20 of them correctly to achieve the 80% passing score you need to get your permit. In order to pass the knowledge test, you will need to study the handbook, and it will also help to take practice tests. To help you prepare, we’ve designed this NC DMV practice test – use it as your first step to prepare for the official exam. Covering essential road signs and rules questions directly from the official 2025 NC Driver Handbook, this practice test is a reliable way to prepare for your NC permit test. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to renew, our permit practice test is designed to mimic the structure and content of the official exam, setting you up for success. This practice test has just been updated for December 2025, offering a comprehensive preparation tool that simulates the actual NC driver’s license test.

Real exam-style pitfalls you’ll practice:
Common Traps
Distractors
Trick Wording
Double Negatives
Free North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2025
NC DMV driver's license
Based on the official NC Driver HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. Take this short practice test and read the explanations as you go. This is one of 4 free North Carolina practice tests available on our site. Avg. finish time: 6 min.
  2. Cover more ground. Take all tests (different questions - no-repeats across sets).
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length, exam‑style run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions. Built from the current handbook + patterns recent test-takers report. These questions reflect what's actually being asked at the DMV right now. Explanations cite the DMV handbook section.
  • On-question help. AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights. See your weak topics and what to study next.

Actual DMV permit test: What to expect?

The North Carolina permit test has 25 questions. You must get 20 correct (80%) to pass.
25 questions
20 to pass (80%)
  • Where: Any North Carolina DMV office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake in 7 calendar days.
  • Commonly missed: headlight usage and when to turn them on, yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Ready to schedule? Book your NC DMV appointment
Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Authored and fact-checked by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.

Chief Educational Researcher, Driving‑Tests.org (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Methodology & Editorial Policy

Real North Carolina drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

This really works!
I was stressed because I didn’t pass my first time but the second time I used driving-tests.org to study and I passed!
A
I felt so prepared going in there.
Took my time and almost all the questions asked in the test were in the practice tests. The diagnostic tests were also so helpful! I passed and so grateful for this resource!
R
I passed the exam without any problem.
Hello, I passed even if I was afraid at the beginning since my level of understanding in English was not really high, but thanks to you I successfully passed my exam in just one attempt. Your website helped me a lot and I would be grateful.
T

About the North Carolina learner permit

As North Carolina has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program, there are several types of learner’s permits. The youngest age at which you may be eligible to drive a vehicle with a Limited Learner Permit, which will only allow you to drive when supervised, is 15 years old. It will cost $20, and in addition to other requirements, you will need to pass a knowledge test. There are several requirements for each phase of the GDL program, so check the 2025 North Carolina Driver’s Handbook or NCDOT website before you apply.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

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